UNews - construction site

U of L cleaning up following flood event

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:35:57 +0000

June 6, 2013 - 4:35 p.m.

During the evening of June 5, 2013, a significant water-main break occurred at the construction site adjacent to the Students' Union Building at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's main campus.

As a result, major flooding occurred in the Library and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts.

Due to the immediate extent of the flooding, classes in the Library and the Centre for the Arts scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2013 have been cancelled. Classes located in buildings other than those affected by the flooding are taking place as scheduled.

Employees who work in the Library and the Centre for the Arts are asked not to access their workspaces until further notice.

Students, staff and faculty are also encouraged to watch their uleth.ca e-mail accounts as specific information pertaining to class schedules, university services and recovery efforts will be shared in the coming days. Email service for faculty, staff and students has been fully restored.

Moving forward brings change

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 21:20:23 +0000

It's been said that the only constant in the world is change. That's certainly the case when it comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. With 40-year-old infrastructure that is starting to show its age, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has been slowly upgrading the Lethbridge campus's physical attributes.

The Department of Facilities is working to create more modern spaces in a more sustainable environment, making the U of L a destination to be desired with better access, enhanced food services and state-of-the-art research facilities.

Unfortunately, you can't have change without, well, change. Renovations to existing structures and new construction can be noisy, messy and just plain inconvenient. That's why the department arranges to do the majority of its construction when classes are not in session.

While there are less people on campus during the summer months, the U of L is still buzzing with activity during this time and every effort is made to minimize the inconvenience to those who remain.

Most projects are completed between May and September, but some factors, such as Mother Nature (who likes to keep contractors on their toes) or unforeseen construction obstacles, can delay projects well into the fall semester. Some projects are so big that they will extend even further into the year. The impending PE Tunnel Rehabilitation and South Plaza Replacement is one of them.

Replacing the concrete in the south plaza presents a unique challenge as the PE Tunnel sits directly below and no more than 10,000 lbs. of weight can be placed on top of the tunnel at any time. Removing the concrete slabs above the tunnel will therefore require some creative manoeuvring.

The PE Tunnel restoration includes leak repairs, the installation of new air handling units to enhance air quality and the addition of new lighting. The tunnel will be closed throughout the duration of the project.

From May to possibly the end of the year, the outdoor area from the PE Building along the Students' Union Building up to the rotunda near the Library will also be closed to allow heavy equipment to move easily within the construction site. The closure also includes the bus loop, and the Department of Facilities has been working with the City of Lethbridge to establish a new, temporary bus route – the details of which will be released once they have been finalized.

Library roof

Nearby, the roof of the Library will undergo work as crews replace the roofing membrane that has been lifted by the area's notorious winds. As long as Mother Nature cooperates, the project will last from about May to mid-July. During this time the south entrance to the Library will be closed.

West parking lots

The second phase of the parking lot redevelopment project will see Lots E and G undergo substantial work. In addition to repaving the lots, a storm water management and drainage system along with new trees and landscaping, windbreaks, concrete curbing and sidewalks, and new lighting will enhance the area. As a gateway to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, this parking area is one of the first areas of campus that people see. The project will help create a sense of place and welcoming to new and returning guests.

UCA North Patio

The wood and concrete flooring on the North Patio off the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Centre for the Arts (UCA) building will be replaced this summer. The entrance into the patio area at the bottom of the pathway will be closed, but pedestrians should still be able to access the path by alternate means.

Food Services

Now that the U of L has a new food vendor coming on board, work to update the food services area in UCA will get underway this summer.

In addition to these major projects, several others are already occurring in less obtrusive areas such as the Prairie Quad north of Markin Hall, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall Breezeway infrastructure upgrades, elevator upgrades in UCA, Students' Union Building and Turcotte Hall, and various flooring replacement and building control upgrade projects that will take place on evenings and weekends.

More information on these and other upcoming projects will be communicated to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community as details emerge. The facilities department would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during the busy construction season ahead.

Jamie Woodford is the project assistant, communications, for the Department of Facilities

This story first appeared in the Febraury 2013 edition of the Legend. For a look at the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Anderson Hall west doors closed

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:19:09 +0000

NEW ENTRANCE & PROHIBITED ACCESS TO CONSTRUCTION SITE WEST - PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION AND AVOID ALL ACCESS TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES

Your attention and cooperation is greatly appreciated as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge continues the parking lot redevelopment project, currently ongoing in Lots E, F and FS adjacent to Anderson Hall.

FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY PLEASE DO NOT CROSS THE CONSTRUCTION SITE! ALSO, PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO ANDERSON HALL THROUGH THE WEST DOORS. PLEASE USE THE EAST SIDE DOORS ONLY TO ACCESS ANDERSON HALL.

1. Please Slow Down! Reduce speed to 30km/h on Valley Road. This is for both northbound as well as southbound traffic.

2. Obey posted stop signs to ensure pedestrian safety for those walking onto campus from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Drive access pathway.

3. A pedestrian walkway is being painted as soon as possible as a further cautionary measure.

4. Pedestrians Do Not Cross the crosswalk into the path of oncoming traffic.

5. Dismount & Walk Across the Road. Those using skateboards, bikes, scooters etc. should stop, dismount and walk across the pedestrian walkway when safe to do so.

6. Do not access or walk across the construction site! Follow the posted pedestrian route.

7. Use Aperture Drive Access to minimize traffic congestion.

Yamashita proud of her small-town roots

trevor.kenney — Tue, 08 May 2012 20:32:43 +0000

Dr. Kathy Yamashita (BASc '72) puts a new twist on the saying that good things come in small packages. Yamashita is a firm believer that it is also good to come from small places.

Her experience growing up in the small town of Vauxhall had a profound effect on the direction of her career.

"I was influenced by our family doctor, Dr. Campbell. Over the years he got to know our family well. I was impressed that when I would go to see him he would also ask about the welfare of other members of my family. I thought that if I was ever a doctor, I would like to be like that," explains Yamashita.

Dr. Kathy Yamashita continues to encourage young people, especially young women, to consider careers in the medical field.

In 1968, Yamashita enrolled at a very young ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. She attended her first three years of classes at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's temporary site on the Lethbridge Junior College campus.

"I was shy and the thought of going away to a university was too frightening. To have the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ open up in Lethbridge one year before I graduated high school, where I could come and live with my aunt for the first year was a big plus," remembers Yamashita. "Sometime during my second or third year, I realized I couldn't attend the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ forever. I considered the professions; at that time it was uncommon for a woman to go into medicine, but I had gained confidence in my academic abilities and I thought, 'why can't I go into medicine'?"

Yamashita spent her fourth year of studies preparing for medical school, taking biology and chemistry classes in the newly constructed ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall.

"It was wonderful! You even got to take an elevator to class," laughs Yamashita as she remembers how tightknit the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community was. "My brother and I both lived in residence. He was in his second year and would frequently forget to wake up for Paul Lewis' parasitology class. One day Paul took his other students and they went to my brother's room, woke him up and had class there. You see, in those early days, only about five or six years of age separated us from our professors. They were a big source of our social gatherings. They would have us to dinner or hang out with us at corn roasts; it was a very collegial atmosphere."

She graduated with a BASc in 1972 and was accepted to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary medical school, which opened its doors only two years earlier. She was one of 35 students who graduated from the U of C medical school in 1975.

"I came from a small school in Vauxhall to a small university to an even smaller medical school. It is good to come from small; you cannot be ignored. Being from small, you are encouraged to be yourself. You can't hide in the back row. Someone will always ask you what you think and expect you to speak. So, being shy? Well, I am no longer shy. It was encouraging to be from small, where your voice is important."

In 1978, Yamashita opened the Lacidem Clinic in Lethbridge as the lone physician. She now works with five other female physicians who all specialize in family practice. Over the years, Yamashita has spent countless hours volunteering for various organizations and boards, including the LRH Sexual Assault Response Team (of which she is an original member), Canyon Church Camp and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Senate.

Despite her busy schedule, Yamashita believes in making friends and loved ones a priority. She recently returned home from Durban, South Africa, where she went to cheer on her nephew, U of L lifeguard Jon Yamashita, at the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championship, and to catch up with good friend Helga Holst, CEO of the McCord Hospital. While there, she attended an HIV conference and toured the hospital and the construction site of a unique orphanage designed as a children's village, a place for the children, orphaned due to the HIV crisis, to call home.

"I think I am meant to do something with that experience, but I don't know what yet," says Yamashita who, in the meantime, will continue her work with young people that are considering a career in the medical field.

"I teach first and second-year family medicine residents and third-year medical students. I have other students that come and job shadow me at family medicine as well. I want students to see how much fun this is and what a great career this is. It is a joy to do my job!"

GET THE FACTS

· Yamashita is a very proud mother of two daughters

· She is proud to call the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge her family's "home university". She has five siblings and all have attended the U of L

· Yamashita was a 2004 recipient of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Distinguished Alumni Award

· She is currently serving as the secretary for the South Alberta Presbytery and is the editor of the Kyogikai Newsletter for the National Japanese United Church Association

Day Care sod turning, Wednesday

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:24:03 +0000

It will be a big day for some of the smallest members of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge family Wednesday.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officials and representatives from campus groups supporting the creation of a new day-care facility will officially launch the start of construction for the 50-space, $2 million project with a sod turning activity, beginning at 1 p.m. at the construction site.

The proposed Day Care Centre is a one-floor, 415 square metre facility (approximately 4,500 sq. ft.) consisting of a large open space in the centre and separate age-group-specific spaces along the outside walls. Bathrooms and other key equipment have been strategically located so multiple spaces/age groups can access and use them, thus keeping costs within budget.

The project will also consist of a fenced playground located at the rear of the building providing both a level of security and shelter from the elements for the children. The facility is also being constructed to allow for future expansion if there is sufficient demand and such expansion is financially feasible.

The Day Care construction site is opposite to the Siksika House Townhome Residence complex, in Aperture Park. Two sections of barrier fencing will be removed to allow better visual access to the site for those attending the sod turning activity.

Should rain, snow or wind force the ceremony indoors, an alternate location, in the Paterson Centre, has been identified. The Paterson Centre is located in the new residence village, south of the construction project.

The construction project will be funded from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ contributions and contributions from the Students' Union, Graduate Students and the Faculty Association. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ also received a $75,000 grant from Alberta Children and Youth Services from the Child Care Space Creation Innovation Fund. These funds can be used towards the capital expenditures of the new Day Care Centre.

Refreshed for the push to exams

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:26:56 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Bill Cade chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

Reading Week is now behind us and I trust everyone used the break to advantage.

We are fortunate to have a mid-February respite and it seems to come at a perfect time in the academic cycle. Now, with the days getting longer and spring beckoning just around the corner, my hope is we all feel refreshed for the push to exams and the end of the semester.

I want to congratulate personally those students newly elected to posts in the Students' Union. I commend you for taking the initiative to stand up for student office and assume a leadership role for the student population.

We have been very fortunate over the years to have some outstanding student leaders who have contributed to the U of L in so many positive ways. There has been a revolution occurring in student government over my time in academia, from a place where students essentially had no governance to now, where students are involved in every aspect of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's decision-making process. I much prefer our present situation.

You need only look at the makeup of the U of L's Board of Governors to see how much influence students actually have on the institution's priorities. The President of the Students' Union, the President of the Graduate Students' Association as well as a third, elected undergraduate student, are all on the Board of Governors, helping to shape policy.

Recently, it was announced that we have partnered with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary in creating the Institute for Space Imaging Science (ISIS).

We are seeing much more cooperation between the province's residential universities, something I like to call cooperation to compete. While competition does exist between the institutions, we have carved out our own unique identities and have three quite different universities. Given that, it is in our best interests to pursue collaborative initiatives that serve to benefit our institutions, both individually and collectively.

Speaking of growth, I had the opportunity to tour the Markin Hall construction site recently and was impressed thoroughly with the progress being made. This project is transforming and revitalizing this area of campus and once complete, promises to open a new chapter for both the School of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Management.

The U of L continues to be a hub of activity for the southern Alberta area. In the past few weeks, both the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games and the South Western Alberta Teachers' Convention Association (SWATCA) used the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as a centre for their activities.

The Winter Games were extremely well received and the feedback I've heard has been wonderful on the performance of our Global Drums group during the closing ceremonies.

It's also great to see SWATCA back at the U of L where they truly belong. This is the second consecutive year their teachers' convention has been held at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after a prolonged absence. Given the fact a good majority of teachers in SWATCA graduated out of our own Faculty of Education programs, it's only fitting they return each year to further their learning.

At the time of this writing, the Pronghorns men's hockey team is readying to host a Canada West playoff series. It's great to see the Horns back in the playoffs and it shows how this program, once a national champion, is back on the rise.

The spring calendar is once again full of opportunities for students, faculty and staff to make the most of their U of L experience. Whether it is a lecture, a concert, a workshop or one of the many Fine Arts productions on campus, I encourage people to sample from all that are available to them.

Never turn down the prospect of learning something new.

UNews - construction site

U of L cleaning up following flood event

Related Topics

Moving forward brings change

Library roof

West parking lots

UCA North Patio

Food Services

Related Topics

Anderson Hall west doors closed

Related Topics

Yamashita proud of her small-town roots

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Day Care sod turning, Wednesday

Related Topics

Refreshed for the push to exams

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